The Apology Impulse by Cary Cooper and Sean O’Meara Summary
Overview of The Apology Impulse
In "The Apology Impulse," renowned psychologist Cary Cooper reveals how corporate "sorry" culture has lost all meaning. Did you know American Airlines sends hundreds of apology letters daily for minor issues? Discover why authentic remorse - not reflexive contrition - builds genuine trust.
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Key takeaways
When Saying Sorry Became a Corporate Performance
Picture a groom on his wedding day in 1951, devastated because his morning suit never arrived. Weeks later, he received something extraordinary: a handwritten letter from the company's managing director expressing "unprecedented embarrassment," accompanied by a full refund and a personal check worth hundreds in today's money. This wasn't a PR strategy or damage control-it was genuine human contrition. Fast-forward to today. In January 2018, only two days passed without a major organization issuing a public apology. Tesco alone apologized 13 times in 2017-once every four weeks-despite not being six times worse than they were five years earlier. Google's database reveals that published instances of "sorry" peaked in 2008 at levels unseen since 1629. Yet here's the paradox: in 1953, during unprecedented prosperity, "sorry" hit its lowest point since the 18th century. When people were busier, richer, and happier, they apologized less. Today, we're drowning in apologies that mean nothing.
The Mechanics of Modern Contrition
The Gold Standard Nobody Follows
The Linguistic Gymnastics of Evasion
The Paradox of Being Sorry and Not Sorry
When Defiance Beats Contrition
Reclaiming the Power of Sorry
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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